MediciNova Wins Contract Research and Development Innovation Award at 2025 BioTech Breakthrough Awards

Rhea-AI Summary

MediciNova (NASDAQ:MNOV) announced on November 6, 2025 that it won the Contract Research and Development Innovation Award at the Fifth Annual BioTech Breakthrough Awards.

The award recognizes MediciNova's work advancing MN-166 (ibudilast), its lead small-molecule candidate in development for multiple neurological diseases including ALS. The company noted ongoing progress in the Phase 2/3 COMBAT-ALS trial and said the recognition highlights its focus on neuroinflammation modulation and neuroprotection as a potential disease-modifying approach.

LA JOLLA, Calif., Nov. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ:MNOV) and the Standard Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), announces that the company has been selected as a winner of the “Contract Research and Development Innovation Award” at the Fifth Annual BioTech Breakthrough Awards.

MediciNova earned this recognition for its innovative work advancing MN-166 (ibudilast), the company’s lead small molecule drug candidate, currently in development for several neurological diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), one of the fatal neurodegenerative diseases. MN-166 is designed to inhibit neuroinflammation and promote neuroprotection by modulating multiple mechanisms involved in disease progression, representing a promising therapeutic approach for conditions with few effective treatment options.

“This recognition underscores our mission to develop truly disease-modifying therapies for devastating conditions like ALS, and it celebrates the dedication of our team and collaborators working to deliver meaningful breakthroughs for patients,” said Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D., MediciNova President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our ongoing Phase 2/3 COMBAT-ALS trial of MN-166 in patients with ALS represents our continued commitment to addressing a serious unmet medical need. We are encouraged by the progress to date and look forward to sharing results as the study advances over the coming year.”

The BioTech Breakthrough Awards program recognizes the most innovative companies, technologies, and products in the global life sciences and biotechnology industries. Conducted annually by BioTech Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization, the awards celebrate excellence across biopharma, therapeutics, genomics, diagnostics, and research tools.

About MediciNova

MediciNova, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a broad late-stage pipeline of novel small molecule therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Based on two compounds, MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast), with multiple mechanisms of action and strong safety profiles, MediciNova has 11 programs in clinical development. MediciNova’s lead asset, MN-166 (ibudilast), is currently in Phase 3 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and is Phase 3-ready for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). MN-166 (ibudilast) is also being evaluated in Phase 2 trials in Long COVID and substance dependence. MN-001 (tipelukast) was evaluated in a Phase 2 trial in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and a second Phase 2 trial in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is ongoing. MediciNova has a strong track record of securing investigator-sponsored clinical trials funded through government grants.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not historical in nature constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future development and efficacy of MN-166 and MN-001. These forward-looking statements may be preceded by, followed by, or otherwise include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "can," "could," "may," "will," "would," “considering,” “planning” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks of obtaining future partner or grant funding for development of MN-166 and MN-001, and risks of raising sufficient capital when needed to fund MediciNova's operations and contribution to clinical development, risks and uncertainties inherent in clinical trials, including the potential cost, expected timing and risks associated with clinical trials designed to meet FDA guidance and the viability of further development considering these factors, product development and commercialization risks, the uncertainty of whether the results of clinical trials will be predictive of results in later stages of product development, the risk of delays or failure to obtain or maintain regulatory approval, risks associated with the reliance on third parties to sponsor and fund clinical trials, risks regarding intellectual property rights in product candidates and the ability to defend and enforce such intellectual property rights, the risk of failure of the third parties upon whom MediciNova relies to conduct its clinical trials and manufacture its product candidates to perform as expected, the risk of increased cost and delays due to delays in the commencement, enrollment, completion or analysis of clinical trials or significant issues regarding the adequacy of clinical trial designs or the execution of clinical trials, and the timing of expected filings with the regulatory authorities, MediciNova's collaborations with third parties, the availability of funds to complete product development plans and MediciNova's ability to obtain third party funding for programs and raise sufficient capital when needed, and the other risks and uncertainties described in MediciNova's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and its subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. MediciNova disclaims any intent or obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements.

INVESTOR CONTACT:

David H. Crean, Ph.D.
Chief Business Officer
MediciNova, Inc
info@medicinova.com

FAQ

What award did MediciNova (MNOV) win on November 6, 2025?

MediciNova won the Contract Research and Development Innovation Award at the Fifth Annual BioTech Breakthrough Awards on November 6, 2025.

What drug did MediciNova receive recognition for and what is its target indication?

The company was recognized for MN-166 (ibudilast), developed for neurological diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

What clinical program for MN-166 did MediciNova mention in the announcement?

MediciNova referenced the ongoing Phase 2/3 COMBAT-ALS trial of MN-166 in patients with ALS.

How does MediciNova describe MN-166’s mechanism in the award announcement?

The company describes MN-166 as designed to inhibit neuroinflammation and promote neuroprotection by modulating multiple disease mechanisms.

Will results from the COMBAT-ALS trial be shared soon according to MediciNova?

MediciNova said it is "encouraged by the progress to date" and looks forward to sharing results as the study advances over the coming year.